Hundreds of youths demanding extension of age limit up to 35 for entering government jobs blocked Shahbagh intersection for a few hours for the last three consecutive days– an act which paralyzed vehicular traffic movement across the city. It ensued the plight for patients of three major hospitals, students of Dhaka University and officials of the secretariat, Motijhhel, Dilkusha and its surrounding areas. Police yesterday dispersed them from Shahbagh and detained five persons from the spot. But it is not yet sure whether they called-off their agitation programme.
As per news media, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Public Administration on September last recommended raising the age limit for entering civil service to 35 years as the retirement age was extended a few years back. Public Administration Minister Syed Ashraful Islam on June 6 told parliament that the government had no plan to raise the age limit (to 35 years), arguing that the number of job seekers will increase sharply if it is done. The youths have been demanding the age extension since 2012.
The country is undergoing a terrible situation as every year more than one million youths qualify to enter into the labour market but the government has no action plan or effective project to utilize the force to accelerate the growth. Recently, the youth have become interested in government jobs due to increased salaries and other facilities.
If the job facility is expanded accordingly in public and private sectors both, the age limit to enter government service at 35 years is justified. But unrealistic policies, inadequate Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and shrinking of private sector growth amid the current demographic dividend have made the situation critical. It is the duty of every government to create available job opportunities, stimulate the private sector, invite FDI, and encourage heavy industries as thus they can create quality jobs.
We think, only extending age limit will not solve the long-standing problem; rather it will make the situation complex. The government should deal with the unemployment problem first in an urgent basis.
